Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item :http://hdl.handle.net/2066/76764

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Subject:

Developmental psychopathology

Organization:

SW OZ BSI OGGFSW_Fac. algemeen

Journal title:

Pharmacogenomics

Volume:

vol. 10

Issue:

iss. 5

Page start:

p. 853

Page end:

p. 866

Abstract:

Dopamine neurotransmission has been a key player in attempts to identify genetic factors involved in alcohol dependence. The dopamine transporter terminates dopaminergic neurotransmission, making the gene encoding the transporter (SLC6A3/DAT1) an attractive candidate in clinical studies on alcohol dependence. We conducted a systematic review of 18 studies examining associations between polymorphisms in DAT1 and alcohol dependence. The DAT1 variable number tandem repeat, the most frequent studied polymorphism in DAT1, did not show a direct association with alcohol dependence in general. Several, but not all, studies found that the DAT1 variable number tandem repeat (9-repeat allele) was associated with alcohol-withdrawal symptoms, such as seizures and delirium tremens. We discuss shortcomings, such as lack of power and disregarding moderating variables, as well as future challenges of gene association studies.